Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin Meridian (Shǒu Shàoyīn Xīnjīng, 手少阴心经) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Fire phase, Yin in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Small Intestine. This channel governs the blood and blood vessels, influencing circulation and the complexion.
| Chinese | 手少阴心经 |
| Pinyin | Shǒu Shàoyīn Xīnjīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Fire |
| Yin / Yang | Yin |
| Organ | Heart |
| Paired organ | Small Intestine |
| Organ clock | 11 AM - 1 PM |
| Number of points | 9 |
The Heart channel originates in the Heart, descends through the diaphragm to connect with the Small Intestine. A branch ascends from the Heart to the esophagus, then crosses the face to the eye. Another branch emerges from the Heart, passes through the lung, and descends to emerge in the axilla (HT1). It then travels along the medial aspect of the upper arm, elbow, and forearm, reaching the pisiform bone at the wrist. From there, it follows the radial side of the palm and the medial aspect of the little finger, terminating at its tip (HT9).
This channel governs the blood and blood vessels, influencing circulation and the complexion. It houses the Shen (Spirit), impacting mental activity, consciousness, memory, and sleep. The Heart channel also plays a role in regulating sweating and body temperature.
Disorders of the Heart channel can manifest as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Mental-emotional symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, poor memory, and incoherent speech are common. Physical signs may include heat in the palms, dry throat, thirst, and pain along the channel pathway.
The Heart channel originates in the Heart, descends through the diaphragm to connect with the Small Intestine. A branch ascends from the Heart to the esophagus, then crosses the face to the eye. Another branch emerges from the Heart, passes through the lung, and descends to emerge in the axilla (HT1). It then travels along the medial aspect of the upper arm, elbow, and forearm, reaching the pisiform bone at the wrist. From there, it follows the radial side of the palm and the medial aspect of the little finger, terminating at its tip (HT9).
This channel governs the blood and blood vessels, influencing circulation and the complexion. It houses the Shen (Spirit), impacting mental activity, consciousness, memory, and sleep. The Heart channel also plays a role in regulating sweating and body temperature.
The Heart Channel of Hand-Shaoyin Meridian has 9 acupuncture points, from HT1 to HT9.